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Friday, March 29, 2013

Friday Feature & Giveaway: AdditionsStyle

Today kicks off the start to my celebration of Eco-Friendly Etsy finds. Earth Day is in April (Aprill 22nd, to be exact), and I thought it would be fun to find some shops that are environmentally responsible in their creative process and the products that they offer.

Valerie offers an excellent assortment of handcrafted jewelry and accessories made from recycled, upcycled, and repurposed hardware at Additions Style. There are pieces for both women and men, and one of the best parts...It's all SO affordable!

Valerie says: This piece looks great on!

Valerie has been making jewelry for over 12 years. She started out her career working with Sterling Silver. I asked if she misses working with it. Here's what she said:I miss it sometimes. When I worked with sterling
silver I created everything the chains, ear wires, jump rings, and clasps, and
it really gave me the opportunity to be creative. After years of working with
silver, I was ready to try something new and challenge my skills.

Valerie says: I love the mixed metals.

I asked Valerie how she got started in working with hardware for her jewelry, and how she decided to use recycled materials. This is what she had to say:

As my
daughter reached her teen years and wanted to wear some of my jewelry, I
realized that the silver pieces I made were for an older woman, so I decided to
create a new affordable collection.

While in a home improvement store one day walking down the hardware isle I
realized that I could use the hardware to create jewelry that looked liked
silver, but make a collection that would be affordable for everyone.

I knew from the start that I wanted my new collection to be environmentally
responsible. When I found a couple of recycling centers that sold hardware, I
was thrilled to know I could create my collection and be mindful of the
environment as well.

Long earrings look great on everyone!

What is her favorite tool to use for her creations? She answered:I love my
pliers, I use them with every piece I create, but anytime I get to hammer
something that makes my day.

And since the spring season is upon us, I asked Valerie what about the season inspires her most. Here is her reply:

For me spring is all about renewal, I love
watching thing bloom and turn into something beautiful.

Valerie is giving away an Additions Style necklace to one lucky 2justByou Blog reader!!! Giveaway is open worldwide and ends Monday night, April 22nd at midnight, Eastern Standard Time. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

i wasn;t too sure of this at first, but it is realling growing on me. On the shop, I think I like these earrings best.http://www.etsy.com/listing/72238676/steampunk-drop-earrings-dangles-hardware?ref=shop_home_active